用生命歌唱˙用靈魂發光

5         Conclusion

5.1         Summary

   So far, this study provides four major points. (1) The de-euphemism of some tabooed topics like the criticism of the intelligence, the dejection, and a small amount of terms related to sex: as what I have mentioned in the introduction, the idea of euphemism and taboo is actually a mirror for each other. Those which are excluded from the group of cursing words indicate that they are no longer banned. This will further illustrate its needlessness to apply the skill of euphemism. (2) People may use the cursing words more in joking or daily conversations rather than in arguing condition— this may challenge the rules of what people used to observe like the politeness principle or the approbation maxim. Moreover, this may prove the existence of other social functions for cursing words, such as the symbol of intimacy or solidarity. (3) The younger the generation is, the more endurance of different linguistic performances and sub-cultures displays. (4) Males still roughly exhibit the tendency of using non-standard forms more than females. Yet, for younger females, the inclination for using standard language forms more may be a bit shaken. Younger females may choose to apply non-standard forms more. This will challenge the traditional opinion: females tend to use standard language and talk about the issue of prestige more. For the coming younger females, this may not be the final conclusion.

The attitude toward one language can show the endurance of sub-cultures or the performance of different social groups in the society. The outcome of Table 23 shows the progress of change from generation to generation and between females and males.

   Greeting works a strong social function in maintaining the relationship and also conveys other implications, such as the reflection of the power difference. This is also one of the fields that are hard to violate the rules like the politeness principle. The appearing frequency of these terms will display how this situation may be changed and indicate what topics may be free from the tabooed realm.

In the following section, table 13, table 14, and table 15 will provide a picture of how people use these words under joking situations, which also reflect what people think toward these related topics.

Under arguing situations, some types of the listed cursing words may be preferable. Among three groups, people can find the result which also matches with the outcome in table 3-5. Moreover, the gender difference here will be emphasized.